OUT and ABOUT with Seeker Chick Mai-Liis: attending the Cline House Juried Show Opening

One of my favourite events in January has become the opening night of the Juried Show at the Cline House Gallery, located at 204 Second Street East in Cornwall. Last year I drove in from Martintown in a huge snowstorm and this year the prediction was freezing rain which fortunately didn’t happen. 

As always, for the 2nd Annual Juried Show that took place on Thursday, January 25th, the Gallery was bursting at the seams with artists and art lovers who were there to admire the 54 pieces which included painting, photographs, sculptures and more. They are also there of course to mingle, partake of a beverage or two and nibble on the wonderful finger foods that are always at these shows.

Emily MacLeod, Manager of the Gallery told me that 99 artists submitted over 250 pieces and I’m sure the job of the jurors was difficult as they brought that large number down to 54 pieces which Emily with the help of Tracy Lynn Chisholm (seen in photo above) displayed beautifully as always. I’m sure it takes hours and hours to coordinate all this work in such a professional manner.

Of course the main part of this evening is the presentation of awards, these being the Jurors Choice Awards and Best of Show, a $1,000 award that is sponsored by Desjardins Financial with reps. Shawn Filion and Martine Levesque in attendance.

  Congratulations goes to Paula Gray, winner of the “Best of Show” Prize for her serpentine stone sculpture “Fountain. The Award, as mentioned, is sponsored by Desjardins Financial and was presented by Shawn Filion. All three Jurors come together to select the Best of Show Award piece. In the above photo, pictured L to R: Juror Giuseppe Di Leo, Juror Jessica Sarrazin, winner Paula Gray and Juror Eliska Smiley. (Photo by Tracy Lynn Chisholm)

Congratulations goes to Victoria Ransom, 2024 Jurors Choice Award ‘Fixing a Basket-Portrait of Abe Gray’ acrylic on canvas. Selected by juror Eliska Smiley.

Congratulations goes to Alexia McKindsey, (seen above with Jessica Sarrazin) 2024 Jurors Choice Award- ‘The Crab Apple Tree’ mixed media. Selected by juror Jessica Sarrazin.

Congratulations goes to Ian Stone, 2024 Jurors Choice Award – ‘Doubting Thomas’ oil on linen. Selected by juror Giuseppe Di Leo.

It was nice to see so many familiar faces and many unfamiliar ones as well. One thing I’m noticing is that there are so many new, young artists entering the Cornwall Arts scene these days. This is so refreshing!

Be sure to stop in and see this Juried Show for yourselves. It is on till March 2nd and when you stop in, remember to fill out a ballot for the “People’s Choice Award” which will be presented at the end of the show.

Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. and you can find more information on their website: www.clinehousegallery.com or visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/clinehousegallery Phone: 613-932-1823

When you’re there, don’t forget to take a peek in the Creative Conservatory. This month’s show is “Janet Whittman Handweaving”.

I am also looking forward to February 24th when the “Words of Art” will be happening at the Cline House gallery from 1 to 3pm. Hope to see you all there.